iWorld
BTS opts out of 2027 Grammys despite new Asian pop category
K-pop group says music should be judged beyond region or language after new award launch
MUMBAI: BTS has decided to skip the trophy chase and make a statement instead. The global K-pop sensation has announced it will not submit its music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, becoming the first major act to publicly opt out following the Recording Academy’s introduction of a new Asian Pop Music Performance category.
The seven-member group shared the decision through a coordinated Instagram Story on Wednesday (local Korean time), saying it wanted music to be appreciated on its own merit rather than being defined by geography or language.
“We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year,” the group said. “I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. Thank you to ARMY and everyone who is always with us.”
The announcement comes just over a month after the Recording Academy unveiled the Asian Pop Music Performance category for the 2027 Grammy Awards. The award recognises artistic excellence in Asian pop music originating from or widely recognised in Asian markets, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, with entries required to feature the meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.
The category has sparked mixed reactions across K-pop circles, with some welcoming greater recognition for Asian artists while others questioning the need for a separate category instead of broader representation in existing Grammy fields.
BTS was widely regarded as one of the strongest contenders for the inaugural award, having previously earned Grammy nominations in other categories. Their decision to specifically reference “region or language” in the statement is likely to add fresh momentum to the debate surrounding how global music is recognised at international award ceremonies.
The announcement comes during a landmark comeback phase for the group. After all seven members reunited following the completion of South Korea’s mandatory military service, BTS released its first group album in years, Arirang, in March.
The comeback proved to be an immediate commercial success. Arirang debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while its lead single, Swim, topped the Billboard Hot 100, reaffirming BTS’ global appeal even as the group chooses to step away from the next edition of music’s biggest awards.
